Precious emeralds, sapphires, and rubies or semi-precious gemstones such as aquamarine each have their own quality hallmarks that vary from diamonds. They will still be weighed in carat weight and use a similar naming system for the cut of the stone. There is no standardized grading system for colored stones so it will be even more important to see the stone in person. Scroll below to see the three most popular precious gemstones.
Amber: The Sun's Stone
Amber, renowned for its warm hues ranging from yellow and orange to brown, is often celebrated as the stone of the sun. It's believed to possess the power to dispel negative energy, making it a symbol of positivity.
Amethyst: The Sobriety Stone
Amethyst, a striking violet Quartz, is synonymous with February. This stone, ranging from purple to pale red-violet, was highly regarded by the Ancient Greeks, who believed it could prevent intoxication. Beyond its beauty, it's reputed to alleviate ailments like headaches and back pain.
Apatite: The Stone of Deception
Apatite, with its spectrum of colors including green, yellow, and blue, hails from diverse locales like Myanmar and Canada. Its name, rooted in the Greek word for 'deceit', captures the stone's misleading nature.
Aquamarine: The Essence of the Sea
Echoing the ocean's hues, Aquamarine ranges from deep blue to greenish tones. As Brazil's gemstone treasure, it's revered not just for its beauty but also for its supposed healing properties for ailments like sore throats.
Carnelian: The Energy Protector
Carnelian's palette, from yellowish-orange to deep red, primarily comes from Brazil and India. Named after the cornel cherry, it's believed to ward off negative energy and poverty.
Chalcedony: The Stone of Goodwill
This gemstone, found across the United States, varies from blue-white to brown. Chalcedony, deriving its name from Latin, is December's modern birthstone and is said to foster kindness and generosity.
Crystals: The Ice of the Earth
Crystals, with their multifaceted forms and colors, get their name from the Greek for "ice" and "rock crystal," symbolizing purity and versatility.
Diamonds: The Invincible Gem
Colorless and multicolored, diamonds, once predominantly found in South Africa, represent unbreakable strength.
Emeralds: The Stone of Prosperity
Emeralds, ranging from green to blue-green, are mainly mined in Colombia. As May's birthstone, they are believed to bring luck and enhance well-being.
Garnet: The Spectrum Stone
Garnet's diverse colors, from yellow to purple, are globally sourced. As January's traditional birthstone, it's thought to foster success and compassion.
Jade: The Love Stone
Jade, found mainly in Myanmar, comes in colors from green to black. It's believed to prepare the heart for love.
Jasper: The Nurturing Stone
Available in all colors, Jasper is known for its pain-relieving properties, particularly for stomach and pancreatic issues.
Labradorite: The Transformation Stone
Primarily from Canada, Labradorite is known for its internal play of colors and is believed to strengthen will and self-worth.
Lapis Lazuli: The Stone of Wisdom
Ranging from greenish-blue to violet, this stone, primarily from Afghanistan, symbolizes knowledge and truth.
Onyx: The Stone of Strength
Onyx has a black base and white upper layer but may contain bands of various other colors between these layers. - Onyx deposits are found in countries all over the world. - Onyx takes its name from the Greek word onyx, which means fingernail. - Onyx is said to help to release negative emotions and alleviate fear and anxiety.
Opal: The Stone of Love
Opal can occur in many colors including white, colorless, pale yellow, pale red, gray, brown and black. Opal is mostly located in Australia. - The name opal was probably derived from Sanskrit upala, meaning "valuable stone" or from the Greek word opallus which means to see a change in color. - Opal is an official birthstone for October. - It is said to be able to solve depression and to help its wearer find true and real love.
Pearl: The Symbol of Purity
Found in various colors globally, pearls represent purity and loyalty, making them ideal for brides.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Mostly from Pakistan, Peridot varies from yellow-green to brown and is named from the Arabic for gem.
Quartz: The Universal Stone
Quartz, found globally, encompasses a family of stones like Rose Quartz, known as the "stone of beauty and love".
Rhodite: The Stone of Healing
Rhodolite garnet, desired in raspberry red, is thought to promote health and circulation.
Ruby: The Stone of Passion
Ruby, a deep red stone found in places like Myanmar and Thailand, is July's birthstone and is associated with protection and health.
Sapphire: The Stone of Peace
Blue is indeed the best-known and the most valuable of sapphire colors. - The three most famous regions for blue sapphire are Kashmir, Burma and Sri Lanka. - Sapphire comes from the Persian word safir. - Sapphire is the birthstone for September. -It is thought to bring peace, joy and wisdom to its wearer.
Spinel: The Stone of Renewal
Found in vivid colors like red and blue in various countries, Spinel is associated with healing and renewal.
Topaz: The Stone of Strength
Ranging from colorless to green, Topaz is November and December's birthstone and is said to increase strength.
Tourmaline: The Rainbow Stone
Tourmaline can occur in a wide range of colors from colorless to black. - Its name is thought to be derived from the Sinhalese word, turamali, which means "stone with various colors". - It is found in all over the world. -It is a birthstone for those born in October. Tourmaline is said to be a powerful detoxification stone that invites positive energy.
Turquoise: The Traveler's Stone
Turquoise is the only gemstone that has a color named after it. - The best quality turquoise is located in Northeast Iran. - The name "turquoise" comes from the French turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone". - Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for December. -Turquoise is believed to offer protection and to be helpful for careers and travel.
Zircon: The Stone of Virtue
Zircon, in colors from colorless to multicolored, is December's birthstone and is said to bring prosperity and wisdom.